I. ˈəlsə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ulcer-, ulcus sore, ulcer; akin to Greek helkos wound, ulcer, Sanskrit arśas hemorrhoids
1. : a break in skin or mucous membrane that is characterized by loss of surface tissue on an inflammatory base and by disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue and that is associated with slow healing and with pus if infected
a stomach ulcer
a varicose ulcer
— compare abscess
2. : something that festers and corrupts like an open sore
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: ulcerate